(^8) PC Hardware: A Beginner’s Guide
valuepito over a million decimal places, so far. Although it is the stuff dreams are made
of, a supercomputer is way beyond consideration as a personal computer.
It seems as if virtually all electronic devices have a computer built into them in some
way. These very small and single purpose processors are classified asembedded computers.
An embedded computer is built into another device to control, monitor, or manage some
activity for the device. The controls of a microwave oven, the carburetion on your car, the
function of your electronic alarm clock, even your wristwatch most likely, all have at least
one, and probably more, embedded computers. While it is true that a personal computer
also has an embedded computer in its microprocessor (more on this later), the PC’s processor
is a multifunction device capable of controlling more than a single process or activity.
For more information on supercomputers and embedded computers, visit the following
Web sites:
Supercomputers:
Ohio Supercomputer Centerwww.osc.edu
Top500 Supercomputer List http://www.hoise.com/vmp/examples/top500/
Embedded computers:
Technologic Systems http://www.t-systems.com/sbc/
Gary's Encyclopediamembers.aa.net/~swear/pedia/embedded.html
DMOZ Open Directorydirt.dmoz.org/Computers/Hardware/
Embedded_Systems/
Figure 1-5. A supercomputer is the most powerful of the computer family
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